Jonathan Majors’ arrest and firing is not the sole reason that made MCU bring back Robert Downey Jr. from the dead.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is famous for its surprises, easter eggs, and unanticipated events, a major reason why it is as renowned as it is. Before wreaking havoc in the fandom with news of Mephisto and Sentry, the MCU’s biggest revelation was casting the fan-favorite Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame | Credits: Marvel Studios

Casting an actor that pretty much made the MCU what it is today as the next big villain, bigger than even Thanos, was a bold step. While many believed and continue to believe that Downey was roped in because of the infamous firing of Jonathan Majors, there might be more than what meets the eye.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Casting as Doctor Doom Wasn’t Entirely Because of Jonathan Majors’ Arrest

Robert Downey Jr.’s Dr. Doom casting announcement sent shockwaves among fans | Credits: Instagram- @marvelstudios

The Marvel Cinematic Universe suffered a serious setback when Jonathan Majors was arrested due to domestic assault charges last year. Having developed Majors’ Kang the Conqueror through a number of projects and investing many resources, MCU suddenly found itself villainless. While many believed the logical step would have been to recast Kang, the MCU went on to bring back one of their best actors as one of the biggest Marvel villains of all time.

It was Robert Downey Jr. who pretty much kickstarted the whole MCU, with his brilliant portrayal of the playboy genius, Iron Man. And now he is slated to save the superhero universe he helped create, once again. But only this time he will be playing the villainous Doctor Doom. And Majors’ arrest is not the only reason why Downey was brought back, as industry insider Daniel Richtman reveals:

The reason they decided to drop Kang wasn’t just because of Majors. When they were looking to recast the role they realized there wasn’t much hype around the character so they went with a gimmick casting of RDJ as Doom to get people excited for the Avengers filma. To be fair I… https://t.co/glX0UZWgRb

— Daniel Richtman (@DanielRPK) October 8, 2024

While many would disagree with Ricthman’s statements that Kang the Conqueror was not as famous or popular within the fandom, there is no denying that Downey’s casting has renewed interest among the fans. From playing one of the best superheroes of all time to now starring as one of the greatest Marvel villains, Robert Downey Jr. seems the obvious choice to help save the MCU, gimmick or not.

Jonathan Majors is Heartbroken After Being Replaced by RDJ

Jonathan Majors as Kang from MCU | Credits: Marvel Studios

Jonathan Majors undoubtedly put much work and effort into bringing Kang the Conqueror to life. From first appearing in Loki to his later appearances as Kang and its many variants, one can not deny that he did in fact do a great job at building him from the ground up, even though sometimes Mravel’s creative endeavors failed him.

So when he was kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe post his arrest, TMZ reached out to the former Marvel star to ask him how he felt about the whole thing.

[I’m] heartbroken, of course. I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked, though…

But when asked about how Downey himself has had a history of felonies and charges and was arrested but still has a career so does DC’s Ezra Miller, while he himself had only a misdemeanor and was kicked off the franchise, Majors’ refused to give a direct comment but stated,

I think it’s fair that Mr Downey has been grated with patience, curiosity, and love… Mr. Miller gotten the same treatment, that they’re being allowed to work their art and be creative at that level… I really didn’t get that. So, you know.

While he added that he would love to be back as Kang if Marvel and fans were willing to give him another chance, he also stated subtley that it is hard for him to get the same opportunities as Doweny or Miller have gotten in their career.

As the MCU moves forward with their casting, kickstarting a whole new era for the superhero verse by bringing back one of their best and most loved actors, we can only say that things are looking bright so far.

Avengers: Doomsday is expected to release on May 1, 2026.